Xi meets with Macao SAR chief executive

MACAO - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called on Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Chui Sai On to make renewed efforts for Macao's development.

The SAR's fourth-term chief executive and government will be sworn in on Saturday after Chui, 57, was reelected the chief executive on Aug. 31. President Xi will administer the swearing-in.

"The central government fully recognizes your leading role in bringing about new changes and attaining new achievements in the SAR over the past five years," Xi told Chui during a meeting held shortly after he arrived here for celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.

"The central government pins high hope on the new SAR government," he said, encouraging Chui to unite and lead the whole team to precisely understand and implement the central government's guidelines and policies toward Macao.

The SAR's new government should make thorough and complete planning, and nurture new working style and image for a good start of the work, he said.

"The central government fully supports you and the work of the SAR government," he told Chui.

The central government attaches great importance to the chief executive's requests for support, having decided to launch relevant work in demarcating the maritime zones of the Macao SAR, Xi said.

The central government has also decided to confer a pair of giant pandas to Macao, Xi said, adding, "I wish they will grow up healthily and bring happiness to Macao people."

Chui thanked President Xi and the central government for care and support to him and the SAR, saying his team will continue to focus on developing economy, improving people's livelihood, and actively pursue proper diversification of the economy.

He pledged more efforts to achieve sustainable development and maintain long-term prosperity and stability in Macao to advance the practice of the "one country, two systems" policy.